Calgarian Model Theo Hall Walks in Milan SS10

Local model Theo Hall, of I Model Management, kicked off his Milan SS10 season with Prada and Neil Barrett.

Calgary Fashion Model Casting Call

Calgary Fashion is casting models for Factory Party #6 on June 24th and for future fashion events in Calgary. If interested please e-mail the following information to: melissa@calgaryfashion.ca

Name

Contact Information

Height

Age

Snap Shots:

Full Length (front and profile)
Headshot (front and profile)

Models please:

Be fresh faced
Have hair up, away from the face
Wear form-fitting clothing

Please state your availability for Factory Party #6 in your e-mail.
Please note that we will only consider serious submissions.

For more information about Factory Party please visit The Modern Leisure.

We look forward to hearing from you!

- Calgary Fashion Staff

Celebrating the Beautiful

This past week, the Metropolitan Museum of Art held its annual Costume Institute Gala. This year's theme? A celebration of the world's true top models and their influence on designers. Marc Jacobs acted as honorary chair, along with Justin Timberlake, Anna Wintour, and of course, Kate Moss. Models from decades past -and present- were remembered and honored. From Linda Evangelista to Veruschka, Twiggy to Cindy Crawford, famous photos of the models, as well as video footage of the catwalk, and iconic dresses worn by the beauties acted as decoration.

While Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen were immortalized, I couldn't help but wonder who would be next on the list of the world's most beloved models. Coco Rocha and Daria Werbowy are among Canada's biggest models, but what about the slew of unknowns waiting to make it big? I did a little sleuthing and came up with four Canadian models who have landed impressive campaigns and walked for the world's top designers. Kate Moss, watch out.

1. Taryn Davidson

Known for her winning smile, the Ontario born walked on all the top runways this fall, including Celine and Versace. Among the many photo spreads she's down, Davidson worked with Terry Richardson for French Vogue's annual calendar this year.

2. Matt Gordon

This Albertan heartthrob is known for his height. With friends like Jessica Stam and Claudia Schiffer though, who needs anything else?

3. Tara Gill

Friend of Taryn Davidson, Tara is known for her dark eyes and bright smile. These obviously worked in her favor because she opened Vanessa Bruno's Paris show in the spring of 2008.

4. Simon Nessman

With his head of uncontrollable curls, Simon is a staple for all the biggest shows during fashion weeks. Currently, this BC boy is one of Givenchy's faces.

Calgarian Amanda Balsdon Walks In Comme des Garçons

Model Amanda Balsdon, represented by I Model Management, opened Comme des Garcon Fall 2009 ready-to-wear collection.

Check out the collection by Rei Kawakubo, and Amanda on Style.com

Monday Love

Photography: David J
http://www.davidjphotography.net
Styling: Darren Bolz + Kimberley Jev + Yana Matusovski
Accessories + Clothing: A Store Called Worth
http://www.astorecalledworth.com
Accessories
Footwear: Stride
http://www.strideshoes.ca
Accessories: Pink Sugar Boutique
http://www.pinksugarboutique.com
Hair: LeeAndre Choiniere
Make Up: Olga Onulov
Assistants: Emelia Lovink + Liam Rodgers

Testing! Testing!!

The discussion of color and racism in fashion always peaks my interest!

Last year, we saw fashion try to "embrace" the black community with Vogue Italia's all black issue! It was embraced by some and destroyed by others.

The world may feel like the color issue is at bay now with all the hoopla over president Obama but for people like myself and other members of the fashion community, color comes into play in many ways. Shocking? For those of us experiencing it not really for others that don't have to deal with it, ignorance is bliss.

There seems to be this belief that just because Obama is the president of the United States, people of color around the world are being treated fairly. This thought process does not mean that industries especially the fashion industries around the world have gotten rid of their prejudices.

In Canada alone or in Calgary, the city and province of Alberta provides the fashion world with some major models eg Heather Marks, but it's interesting to see that black models in the city can barely get a break even with the "change in direction" or so you would think of the fashion model market. It's also really funny because Calgary has a large Sudanese community who are famous for being tall regal beauties who provide fashion with an alternative look of the norm. The Native community also holds women of great bone structure and height, so where are these groups of people represented in Calgary and Canada? I'm not sure what the scene is like in Toronto but i'm guessing it has been rather difficult for black models or models of color to strut their stuff on the runway or in the Canadian fashion scene in general.

The hype of black models or even a Canadian Native model hasn't really been news that I have heard much about in Canada, different in the States, but do you know who these models are?

What are your thoughts on models of color, do you think Canada embraces their ethnically diverse community in their fashion world?
Can you name one famous Canadian model of color other than the well established and popular Stacie McKenzie and Yasmine Warsame?



Links

Who is Diandra Forrest?
Does being black only mean you are American now?
Who is Stacey McKenzie?
Stacey McKenzie Official Website
Is Facehunter racist?

Photos courtesy of The Fashion Spot

Attention!

Stella, a rising I Model Management star, shot her first shoot with the notable Riley Stewart last weekend, and the results are already grabbing the attention of the fashion community.  Stella possesses the rare ability to not only model but let her personality shine through.  There is no doubt that Stella's fearlessness and unwavering ambition to become a successful model will help her make a mark in the world.

Riley Stewart's impressive portfolio of work has only been growing stronger.  A strong competitor in the land of photography, and another staggering graduate of ACAD, it is hard not to notice the talented photographer.  Mr. Stewart's work contains editorial, fashion, and portrait photography that strongly conveys a subtle narrative that makes his work captivating.  Check out his portfolio at 

www.rileystewartphoto.com

Apparel provided by: A Store Called Worth, Smyth & Kang, Gravity Pope

Styling: Melissa Wusaty

With <3 From Paris

Theo @ Louis Vuitton Autumn 09

Theo Does Milan and Moves On To Paris.

Prada Fall 09

If you've been a follower of this blog then you will know that Theo Hall is probably one of the few models that I go goo goo for!!!
It's honestly really amazing to see models go from the street (there are many shots of Theo from my days of street photography) to the runways, I cannot explain how much love Calgary Fashion has for him!
Spotted on the streets by Len Mastaler, owner of I Model Management in Calgary, Theo really has hit the nail on the head with the big names of the fashion world!
Last year was a major year for Theo as the modeling world would say and to be honest I cannot say I am surprised. Who will he walk for in Paris?? You just have to wait and see! :P

Links

Check out Theo's Profile at I Model Management
Calgary Introduces Theo Hall

Do You Think You Have What It Takes?

Cycle 2 Winner: Rebbeca Hardy

Canada's Next Top Model is looking for the next face of fashion in Canada.
Even though the application deadline has passed, the show is giving ladies across the nation a last chance to apply for the 3rd season of Canada's Next Top Model brought to you by Bankable Productions, the successful production company owned by supermodel and talk show host Tyra Banks. There will be open casting calls at malls in 5 major cities.

The cities that will host casting calls this January are:

1. Vancouver - January 16, 2009
2. Edmonton - January 18, 2009 - West Edmonton Mall
3. Halifax - January 20, 2009
4. Montreal - January 22, 2009
5. Toronto - January 23, 2009
   

The competition is open to females between the ages 18 and 23.

Minimum requirements are:

1. You must be a Canadian or a permanent resident of Canada
2. You must be at least five feet and eight inches. (5' 8") (173cm in height.

Locations for Vancouver, Halifax, Montreal and Toronto are still yet to be determined. If you are in one of these cities, you must check HERE for locations.

So if you think you have the skills and stamina to go up against Canada's "Master of Esthetic" Jay Manuel and his team of professionals to be Canada's Next Top Model, get practicing that walk, pout and poses because Canada's Next Top Model is looking for you!

Good luck ladies!

Image courtesy of Model Resource.ca

Links:

• Canada's Next Top Model
• Jay Manuel
• Rebecca Hardy info.
  
• Rebecca Hardy discusses being a model.

Model Land

I've been doing some work for Klass Model Management and here is the first comp card made with my photos. They look pretty cool! Jesse was really easy to shoot and very comfortable with the camera. I hope to see him in publications soon and there is word on the street that he may just have been scooped up by one of Canada's leading agencies. We'll just have to keep an eye out for him.

Brian P

James P

James P with I Model was featured as a One's 2 Watch model this month as well as Brian P also with I Model. The 2 had some wicked test shots. Look out for these 2, big things are coming. 

Chad White has been a busy guy this year, he is currently in a really beautiful editorial for Wounded Magazine, he also just recently did an interview with Where The Lights End which gives some insight to his life now and the things he loves to do. He seems rather humble and just totally in love with his profession and eager to keep learning. When Chad retires from the industry, look out for him in sexy fireman gear as that is what he hopes to go into after his modeling career is done, which isn't any time soon. If this happens however he's going to be one busy man putting fires out for women set  alight by his full on sex appeal. He also talks about dealing with being naked half the time for his shoots, it's interesting to read such interviews, models are human too!! 

Heather Marks is still going strong. Every year I think her look evolves to a higher level. She's on the Black Magazine cover this month! Loving the look!

I've been waiting for more test shots of Ato, the modeling world has been taken over by several black male models, Salieu and Dominique with Red have been killing it lately, they seem to be in every magazine, on every website and the range to which they are featured is amazing. For black male models things seem to be picking up. Ato just did some great test shots for Mode, another one that I think should be watched closely. I'm hoping he gets as much work as possible, now is the time I think for modelling agencies in the city to promote their models of colour! Good job Ato, we're rooting for you. 

Photos: Models.com, Mode Models, Klass Models. 

Jesse

Credits:
Soleil Moon + Haslyn Klass

Klass Models

Alex

Credits:
Soleil Moon + Haslyn Klass

Klass Models

Alex

Credits:
Soleil Moon
Haslyn Klass

Klass Models

Goo Goo Ga Ga

It's amazing. I find that more versatile black male models are creeping into the system!
They are all really different, Christian from Basic Models (pictured above) has such a young smooth innocent look while Dominique Hollington (Below) with RED Models and Salieu Jalloh (Below) also with RED have this cool boy don't mess with me look that when dressed up properly and shot properly has such an alluring taste to it!
Dominique Hollington


Salieu Jalloh